An adolescent client reports to the nurse of walking with a limp due to pain localized in the right knee which worsens at night but denies any recent injury or trauma. The nurse observes swelling and tenderness in the right lower thigh, and imaging results reveal radial ossification in the soft tissues.
Which condition should the nurse consider as the probable cause of the findings?
Osteosarcoma
Growing pains
Rhabdomyolysis
Hemosiderosis
The Correct Answer is A
The adolescent client's symptoms of localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly at night, are suggestive of a malignancy such as osteosarcoma, which is the most common primary bone tumor in children and adolescents.
Radial ossification in the soft tissues is a characteristic finding in osteosarcoma and is indicative of bone production by malignant cells. Other imaging modalities, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also reveal osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions in the bone.
Growing pains are a common, benign condition that occur in children and do not typically present with the
symptoms described in the case scenario.
Rhabdomyolysis is a medical emergency that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and release of muscle fiber contents into the bloodstream. It can present with muscle pain, swelling, and tenderness, but typically occurs as a result of injury, infection, or drug toxicity.
Hemosiderosis is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of iron in various tissues, including the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It may present with symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal pain, but is not typically associated with the symptoms and imaging findings described in the case scenario.
Therefore, the nurse should consider osteosarcoma as the probable cause of the adolescent client's symptoms and imaging findings, and should collaborate with the healthcare team to develop a plan of care for diagnosis and treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer: C. Red blood cell count of 2.3 cells/mcl or (2.3 x 10/L).
Rationale:
A. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³ (10 x 10⁹/L): This is within the normal range for an infant, indicating no immediate concern for infection or immune response. It does not need to be urgently conveyed to the surgeon.
B. Weight gain of 2 pounds (0.91 kg) since birth: This is a positive sign indicating healthy growth and nutritional status, but it is not a critical concern that would affect the immediate surgical plan.
C. Red blood cell count of 2.3 cells/mcl or (2.3 x 10⁹/L): This low RBC count indicates anemia, which is critical information for the surgeon. Anemia can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery due to potential issues with oxygenation and healing, making it the most important information to convey.
D. Urine specific gravity is 1.011: This indicates normal hydration status and is not immediately relevant to the surgical procedure. It does not need to be urgently reported to the surgeon compared to the low RBC count.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The boy's reported symptoms may indicate stress or anxiety related to his school experience. By asking the boy to describe a typical day at school, the nurse can gather information about the child's interactions with teachers and peers, academic performance, and any other potential sources of stress. This information can be used to develop an appropriate plan of care that addresses the child's emotional and physical needs.
Comparing vital signs or conducting a neurological assessment may not provide useful information in this case, and counseling the parents to pay more attention to the child is not a recommended intervention without first identifying the underlying cause of the child's symptoms.
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